Palais Lascaris Nice
A stunning 17th-century Baroque palace in Vieux Nice, featuring frescoed ceilings, ornate decor, and a vast collection of antique musical instruments.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Palais Lascaris Nice
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 17th-century Baroque palace in Vieux Nice, featuring frescoed ceilings, ornate decor, and a vast collection of antique musical instruments.
"One of the best value paid attractions in Nice, with beautiful objects to admire and fabulously décor to marvel at."
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be exploring multiple floors via stairs, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Allow at least an hour
Take your time to soak in the details of the architecture and the extensive instrument collection. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baroque Architecture
Throughout the palace
Marvel at ornate ceilings, grand staircases, and intricate frescoes that transport you to the 17th century.
Antique Musical Instruments
Various rooms
Explore one of France's largest collections of antique musical instruments, a true delight for music lovers.
Tapestries and Art
Salons
Admire beautiful tapestries and art pieces that adorn the spacious rooms, showcasing aristocratic taste.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Baroque Splendor
Best Value in Nice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be exploring multiple floors via stairs, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Allow at least an hour
Take your time to soak in the details of the architecture and the extensive instrument collection. :clock1:
Check for special exhibitions
Temporary exhibitions can add an extra layer of interest to your visit. :sparkles:
Capture the details
The intricate frescoes and decorative elements are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be exploring multiple floors via stairs, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Allow at least an hour
Take your time to soak in the details of the architecture and the extensive instrument collection. :clock1:
Check for special exhibitions
Temporary exhibitions can add an extra layer of interest to your visit. :sparkles:
Capture the details
The intricate frescoes and decorative elements are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Palais Lascaris as a beautiful, well-preserved 17th-century aristocratic home offering a glimpse into opulent history. Its affordable entry fee and impressive collection of antique musical instruments are frequently highlighted as major draws, making it a highly recommended, value-packed attraction in Nice.
"This is a lovely 17th century aristocrat’s town house, with lots of the original features still in place. Not the original furniture and fittings (typical French curation!) but a large quantity of antiques, paintings, and a collection of ancient instruments dotted around. You cannot really get an idea of what it was like in earlier centuries, but it is fantastic to walk around for an hour or so, with beautiful objects to admire, fabulously décor to marvel at. One of the best value visits in Nice - The spacious rooms are arranged on three floors, without a lift (stairs only). I rank this as one of the best value paid attractions in Nice, at only a handful of euros.
Sometimes there are special exhibitions, obviously rather variable. Today we saw a temporary exhibition curated by Nice’s modern art museum, and it was great (but sadly about to close, so there’s not much point reviewing it here). But I have posted a couple of photos of fun installations in the exhibition, by an artist called Laurence Aëgerter, to give you some notion."
Marc Fresko
"A beautiful 17th century villa located in the old city.
Its ornate ceilings, staircases, and, vintage Instruments make it a pleasant place to visit."
Adie Klein
"If your time in Niza is short, avoid this so called museum. The upkeep of the property is negligible, there are some interesting displays of historical string instruments and a small maritime room but I wouldn’t call the time spent here a learning experience."
J.Adele G.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palais Lascaris is located in the heart of Vieux Nice (Old Town) at 15 Rue Droite. It's easily accessible on foot from most central Nice locations. If you're coming from further afield, take a tram to the 'Cathédrale - Vieille Ville' stop and it's a short walk from there.
Yes, the Palais Lascaris is situated right in the charming streets of Vieux Nice, making it a perfect stop while exploring the historic district. 
The best way to reach Vieux Nice is often by tram or on foot. Trams are efficient and stop close to the historic center. Walking allows you to discover the city's charm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Palais Lascaris is generally open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, but it is closed on Tuesdays. It's always a good idea to check the official website or social media for any last-minute changes before your visit.
The entrance fee for Palais Lascaris is very affordable, often just a few euros, making it one of the best value attractions in Nice.
Advance booking is typically not required for Palais Lascaris due to its low entry fee and the nature of the attraction. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
The palace has stairs on all three floors and no lift, so it may not be suitable for visitors with significant mobility challenges.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find stunning Baroque architecture with frescoed ceilings, ornate staircases, tapestries, paintings, and one of France's largest collections of antique musical instruments. There's also a small maritime room. +2
Yes, Palais Lascaris functions as a museum, showcasing the aristocratic lifestyle of the Lascaris family and housing a significant collection of historical artifacts, particularly musical instruments.
Most visitors find that 1 to 1.5 hours is sufficient to explore the palace and appreciate its collections.
Photography is generally allowed inside Palais Lascaris, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on flash or tripod use. The ornate interiors are very photogenic.
Built in the 17th century by the Lascaris de Vintimille family, it's one of the last remaining Baroque aristocratic residences in Nice, offering a tangible link to the city's past when it was under Savoyard rule.
🎫 🎶 Music & Collections
The collection features a wide array of antique musical instruments, including string instruments, wind instruments, and more, making it the second-largest collection of its kind in France. +1
Yes, the collection is quite extensive, with over 500 antique instruments, many of which were bequeathed by a notable Nice resident.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware that the palace has multiple flights of stairs and no elevator, which might be challenging with very young children or strollers. It's also important to remind children to be respectful of the artifacts and the historic setting. The relatively short visit time (around 1-1.5 hours) is also ideal for keeping children engaged without them getting bored.
🎶 Music Lovers
The setting itself enhances the experience, as you wander through opulent 17th-century salons that once hosted musical gatherings. It's an opportunity to connect with the history of music in a truly immersive environment. The affordable entry fee makes this a highly accessible and rewarding outing for any music aficionado.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1 The intricate frescoes, elaborate staircases, and preserved decorative elements offer a masterclass in 17th-century design and craftsmanship.Exploring the palace allows you to appreciate the architectural nuances and artistic expressions of the period. It's a chance to understand the historical context of Nice, particularly its time under Savoyard rule. The palace's well-preserved state makes it a significant historical monument and a rewarding visit for anyone interested in European heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into 17th Century Aristocratic Life
+1The interiors are a feast for the eyes, featuring ornate frescoed ceilings, grand, sweeping staircases, and beautifully decorated salons. You'll find tapestries, paintings, and other decorative arts that speak to the wealth and taste of the noble family who once resided here. It's a journey back in time, providing a vivid picture of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the elite centuries ago.
The Remarkable Musical Instrument Collection
Many of these instruments were generously bequeathed to the palace by Antoine Gautier, a notable Nice resident, ensuring their preservation for future generations. For music enthusiasts, this collection is a significant draw, providing a unique educational and aesthetic experience. The way the instruments are displayed within the historic rooms adds to their allure, creating an immersive atmosphere for visitors.
Navigating Palais Lascaris: Practicalities
Despite this, the experience is well worth the effort for those who can manage the stairs. The entrance fee is very reasonable, making it an excellent value for money and one of the most budget-friendly attractions in Nice.
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